Request: Why is a manual E30 better than an Automatic

[GreekDriver]

Since a new E30 is in the works, I think it should be a 5 speed. My dad doesn't agree...

This thread is for my dad. He hates manuals. When he first moved to the States from Greece he had 2 Renault Le Cars that had manual transmissions ruin on him. Then he had an 84 or 86 Ford Escort with a manual that ruined too. He thinks that automatics are better than manuals. Well maybe in some cases they are. But in the case of the E30, my understanding is that the ZF Automatic is nowhere near as reliable or good as the Getrag 260 the manual E30's have.

Could you guys mention some pros and cons about E30 manual and automatic transmissions? Or even generally why manuals are better. Like better gas milage with a manual... That kind of stuff.

The odd part is, our other E30 had to have its automatic transmission rebuilt at around 60-70k miles! Yet he still perfers an automatic.

And don't manual transmissions usually make the driver more aware of what is going on by making them pay attention to the road and car as they have to pay attention on shifting.

Thanks!

[James Crivellone]

They both have pro's and cons


I own 2 e30's, one manual, one automatic

My auto tranny has 207K miles on it, original, and still shifts fine,
My Manual tranny has 201K miles on it, original, and still shifts fine.


Its all preference, manual does give you more control, but only if you need that extra control that it offers, for 80% of people an automatic can do everything a manual can, plus BMW auto trannys are not that bad.

For the people that hang out of this board, manuals are better, wayyy better, and I agree 100%, for most older people, they are just tired of the shifting (now you could get a newer cabrio with the electronically controlled auto, hehe manual mode 123)

My parents 635CSI is an automatic, my dad loves manual, but he wanted an auto in that A for my mom, and B for traffic. His fun weekend car (74 Triumph TR6) is a stick, and will always be a stick.

What it all boils down to, its your dads money, and its his decision, who will drive the car the most? Plus it sounds to me like he cannot drive a stick correctly

[Jand3rson]

Manual transmissions get better gas mileage.

That should be numer one with your dad.

[bimmerlover]

Its all preference, manual does give you more control, but only if you need that extra control that it offers, for 80% of people an automatic can do everything a manual can, plus BMW auto trannys are not that bad.

Yes.. It is about preference/driving style.
I disagree with your last statement though. My families experience with BMWs auto trannies from the 80's has NOT been good at all. We've had MANY of them with under 200k go bad on us.

Also.. the point was made that you get better gas mileage in manual E30s..
I've found that only to be true if you drive very "conservatively".

[Jand3rson]

Also.. the point was made that you get better gas mileage in manual E30s..
I've found that only to be true if you drive very "conservatively".

Considering this thread is for his dad to help convince him that a manual is better, statements like that probably aren't going to help much... :roll:

[bimmerlover]

Ya just never can tell. I know some old geezers that are very aggressive drivers.
I see your point though.

[bmw4life]

manuals get better gas mileage and are more fun to drive in my opinion

[GreekDriver]

Well, this E30 is for me. I just have to convince my dad that whatever car I chose is acceptable.

I simply don't trust the automatics in older BMW's. For example mine shifts funny. It has moods. Sometimes it will go into fourth at 35mph and have the RPM's at 1550 which is great. Or sometimes it won't even go into 3rd at 35mph and be at 3000rpms in second. No matter what I do, backing off the pedal, trying to force it, it won't budge.

Then our other E30 needed to have it's trans rebuilt at 60-70k miles!

I don't see manual E30 owners having to replace transmissions near as much as automatic E30 owners.

Thanks for the information guys. Anybody else out there got anything?

[Matto]

Manuel transmitions are more efficient giving better gas milage and better performance. The auto is for lazy peeps that want to drink a mocha while driving.

[Jordan]

Just play the "auto trannys are for women, and gay men" card.

[nando]

there's no way in hell you can compare the manual transmission in a shitty "Le Car" or ford escort to the smooth getrag box in the E30!

[Digitalwave]

Better yet, buy the car yourself and you won't have to convince your dad which transmission is better.

[bimmerphile]

Control.


Manual trannies give you so much more control over the car than an automatic. Why is control important? Well, better control over the car = safer driving.


I think this thread is silly, really. If you are educated about automobiles, you will recognize the benefits of the Manual transmission. About the only reason you'd want an automatic is if you're lazy, or if you're lazy.

[Sean]

About the only reason you'd want an automatic is if you're lazy, or if you're lazy.

Damn, Kris,...couldn't have said it better myself.


Our family has one auto - the rest are 5 spds.

For mountain roads, it means less use of your brakes and more so of correct gearing.

You can enoy the awesome feeling of shifting down and dropping that clutch - it's just not the same as a shift-down switch in an auto... :twisted:

As said before, you do get better gas mileage, since, as Kris stated, you have control over what gear the car is in.

Oh - and you have five gears.. not 4. :P

[NC325iC]

Just play the "auto trannys are for women, and gay men" card.

:up: